Clydesdale Bank SPL, Saturday 21 August 2010 - New Douglas Park
Hearts manager Jim Jefferies has said that it will take time for him to rebuild the Hearts team and get the players performing in a style he wishes. On the basis of today's hammering of Hamilton Accies, it would seem he's already some way down the road to achieving this.
Striker Calum Elliot was the star of the show today, scoring twice and being instrumental in the penalty award. His first goal, after just six minutes saw the former Scotland Under-21 latching on to the ball 22 yards out before curling a fine, left-footed drive into the far corner. That early goal settled Hearts and eighteen minutes later they doubled their lead. Home defender Martin Canning attempted a bizarre passback, the ball eventually falling to Hearts David Templeton, who held off his marker before giving keeper Cerny little chance with his stinging drive from 18 yards. It was a sublime finish from a player who promises so much.
Hearts were in easy street but the almost inevitable sending off for the visitors arrived with just under half an hour left when Palazuelos' high tackle on Flavio Paixao resulted in a second yellow card for the Spaniard. Accies had more of the game now but failed to breach Hearts defence. With fourteen minutes left the home side were also reduced to ten men when the unfortunate Canning was red-carded after bringing down the impressive Calum Elliot in the penalty box. Substitute Kevin Kyle duly lashed home the penalty to make it 3-0 before Elliot made it three goals in two games when he pounced on a mistake by Wilkie to race clear and stroke the ball in off the far post from 16 yards.
It's been ten years since Hearts last won by such a margin away from home in the SPL. Youngsters Elliot, Thomson and Templeton again impressed and it's interesting to note the four Hearts goals were scored by Scots - it's been a while since one has been able to say that.
It's early days, of course. But on today's evidence, Accies will struggle this season. For Hearts, when you consider they had the likes Andrew Driver, Eggert Jonnsen, Gary Glen and Stephen Elliott all missing today then it would seem Jim Jefferies is starting to assemble a half decent squad.
One that, at long last, is beginning to score goals and entertain...
Elliot had a great performance, the whole team really liked me. But anyway, the opponent was very weak. I hope to repeat against Dundee United!
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